Wenger Was Tempted By Owen

While Micheal Owen was looking for a club, there were whispers through the football world that Arsenal would attempt to capture his signiture.

To most people's suprise, Wenger didn't go in for him. He explained why at Friday's press conference.

'I was tempted, But at that time we were on the Baptista case where we lost out. I wanted him more because I felt he could play more middle of the park as Vieira had gone. I wanted a multifunctional striker more than an out-and-out striker because I knew that Thierry Henry could give us goals, I hoped Van Persie and Reyes could too.

“At some stage you have to make room for your young players or they never play. If I bring Michael Owen, Van Persie would not be playing today.

“For me it was not a money question. It was really 'do I stick to what I started or do I change direction completely?' I decided to give a chance to my young players because I felt I had to do it this year.

“When you are a young player there is a moment where you have to come in; if you miss that moment you lose the player.”